The Summer Solstice (traditionally June 21) marks the longest and strongest day of the year for Grandfather Sun and the beginning of summer.
Represented in the South position on the Medicine Wheel, it is the place that fuels our growth as we allow the warm summer breeze of sun lengthened days to 'enlighten' us with the rejuvenating rays of the sun.
This is the energy of summer and the direction of the South.
In many traditions, the color yellow holds this place on the Medicine Wheel and reminds us of our solar plexus chakra - the place where any movement of our higher selves originates. Now is the time to "fire up" those plans and intentions by fueling them with the natural heat of the summer sun.
Think of our vegetable and/or herb gardens and how they thrive under the summer sun along with a little attention and watering from us. So too is it important to participate in our spiritual gardens for now is the time to manifest this growth. Remember, what we water is what we grow!
Don't let the seasons just pass you by! Summer is prime time for restoring wholeness and healing. Learning to align with summer’s seasonal energy helps us to keep from becoming overgrown with the things that no longer serve our highest good. Weed out what needs to go and water the seeds you have planted.
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"We cannot stop the winter or the summer from coming. We cannot stop the spring or the fall or make them other than they are. They are gifts from the universe that we cannot refuse. But we can choose what we will contribute to life when each arrives."
Gary Zukav
Medicine Wheel
Introduction to the Medicine Wheel
The medicine wheel is a summary of all that is, containing everything known and unknown in the universe. A great cosmic template! Sometimes called the Sacred Hoop, it can be thought of as an evolutionary blueprint.
It is a Circle of Life – a Circle of Lessons on the Path to knowledge, Self – Knowledge.
A “medicine” wheel - Medicine, meaning sacred gifts.
Wheel – Circle - all things return to where they began.
The significance of the circle has always been expressed in native rituals. The ending is but another beginning, a new chance to start over. One hour, one day, one month, one season or one year; it is a cyclical pattern that allows us to try again, not linear which never goes back just keeps going.
The ability to relate to it comes with practice. Like any other spiritual work, it is a process. We must learn to slow down, and ALLOW the process to unfold. It is a mirrored image of every step before us, as each step we take along the way offers a new understanding of our growth patterns. When we share the wisdom of our life’s lessons, many others may benefit as well.
Think of Shamanism as a system of direct knowledge – knowledge is something that works and stands up to the test of time, unlike belief systems which is taken on from others. The Medicine Wheel is a path/the path to awaken this knowledge. These Sacred Teachings assist us on our path to healing, health and wholeness for our mental, physical, spiritual and emotional enlightenment.
Understanding and learning to follow the Medicine Wheel brings meaning and purpose into your life. It helps us to walk the earth in a good way, in balance and peace. It reminds us that we each dance in from our own unique and sacred place and reflects back to us that WE, are also a part of this great Circle of Life!
It is a mirror and model to view oneself, others and nature. Sometimes the hardest thing to do is look ourselves in the eye, it requires courage. It does not matter where you step in, only that you do!
The vertical lines are above and below, earth and sky energies; the horizontal line is our path or journey on this plane. We take this Walk in Time up and down, back and forth and around with YOU in the center!
Every seeker has a chance to eventually discover this harmonious way of being with all of life around them by ascribing to the precepts of the medicine of this wheel.
Understanding the lessons of the sacred hoop helps us to touch/experience life in a deeper, more profound way.
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Feel free to contact me if you are interested in learning more or would like to host me for a Medicine Wheel Workshop.
Wado!
Summer